The exhibition includes 200 photos and videos by 62 leading artists (24 Australian and 38 international) to be exhibited at BRAG from Saturday, October 14 until Sunday, December 3 and surveys how the male figure has been depicted by Australian and international artists in photo media over the past 140 years.

It includes historic and contemporary fine art photography and film, fashion photography and pop videos. Images range from the beautiful to the banal to the confounding. This is one exhibition that is not to be missed.

We will soon start our elm tree injection work to various locations around the region as part of the annual program to protect elm trees from the elm leaf beetle.

Elmsavers was awarded this year’s contract to conduct the elm tree control program, which will include the treatment of elm trees within the road reserves and parks at Hill End, Rockley, Perthville, including Vale Road, and areas within the Bathurst CBD.

The works will involve a stem injection treatment utilising specialist equipment that applies insecticide into the vascular system of the trees. The method is considered to be the most effective and environmentally sound option as it delivers the insecticide directly into the tree.

The program aims to reduce outbreaks of the pest ahead of the summer months and provides protection from beetle damage for up to four years.

A HUGE congratulations to Bathurst Regional Council, staff and contractors who delivered a seamless event in what was a spectacular 2017 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

The news that the current sponsorship will continue for another three years, in addition to ongoing work to see the delivery of Velocity Park, is a great economic boost for Bathurst and the greater Central West.

What a great place we live in, what a great week we host as a community and what a fantastic event that takes centre stage worldwide, right here in Bathurst. Go Holden!

Return and Earn collection point

THE NSW Government’s 10 cent container deposit scheme Return and Earn will roll out from December 1.

People will get a 10 cent refund for every eligible drink container returned, with Woolworths being announced as the scheme’s first retail partner. This agreement will make the scheme easy and accessible.

Participating Woolworths store locations will be finalised in the coming weeks.

From December 1, there will be up to 180 reverse vending machines at Woolworths supermarkets, with more to come early next year. This will be just one of several ways people will be able to access the scheme.

The NSW Government expects Tomra Cleanaway, the network operator, to partner with other retailers in the future.

Return and Earn is the biggest litter reduction initiative in this state's history. It will mean a massive reduction in drink container litter. For more information, visit www.returnandearn.org.au

Fire danger warning 

WITH high to very high fire danger forecast across most of the state, the NSW Government and fire agencies are urging everyone to be aware of the bushfire risk.

I am encouraging all residents to prepare for the fire season and create or update their bushfire survival plans.

October 1 was the start of the statutory bushfire danger period and this means that anyone wishing to light a fire must obtain a free permit from their local Fire Control Centre.